Jump Seats with kids

Author Message   Mike Schukert Senior Member Username: Mike_s Post Number: 529 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 74.243.3.95 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 04:32 pm:    Michele: I don't want to rain on your parade, but someone needs to tell it like it is. Space-a is a crap shoot! Although the other posters have presented rosy accounts of their experiences, and offer optimistic "go-for-it" advice, traveling unaccompanied with kids aged 2, 5 and 7 could present a hellish predicament in the always possible, if not likely, event that your flight(s) get cancelled, delayed or re-routed. Let's hope that this doesn't happen to you and your youngsters. Just be prepared--and be sure to have sufficient cash on hand for unexpected meals, lodging, taxis and commercial airline tickets. Good luck!   Nell B. Ero Junior Member Username: Erouscg Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 152.121.18.98 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 12:32 pm:    We've taken a C-17 flight with a 1, 4 and 7 year old- all of the below are great tips. We have a convertible car seat (turns into a stroller) and it was great on the jump seats. Our older kids took their own little wheeled cases w/ books and toys and shared a DVD player- there are outlets in the a/c bulkhead. We use the Mack's kid size silicone earplugs and they work well in combination with kid's headphones (like Califone). You will definitely want blankets and might even consider self-inflating camping mattresses- we use the Eddie Bauer ones, they roll up small enough to strap to the small wheeled carry ons. Good luck & have fun!   Michele Monastra Member Username: Ucohokie Post Number: 8 Registered: 07-2009 Posted From: 66.58.225.167 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 03:45 am:    Thanks so much! I am traveling with a 2, 5, and 7 yr old as well. Following your tips, I think we'll have a great trip.   Leanne Besachio Member Username: Lbesachio Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2010 Posted From: 173.73.52.67 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 01:59 am:    If you have an infant or toddler I would recommend using their car seat. I traveled for 10 hours on a c17 with a two year old. His Britax car seat fit well with the jump seats. I brought for him a few matchbox type toys, board book, stuffed animal and blanket. My 5 & 7 year olds had coloring books, portable DVD player, however noise on plane canceled out the sound with their cheap headphones. They just watched the movie. A fellow spat gave them a set of nice headphones to borrow and those worked well. We also used a fleece style sleeping bag.   Carole G Advanced Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 243 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 12:45 am:    Definitely have your kids wear earplugs. The ones they give you are large, but you can buy kids plugs that fit and will feel more comfortable. Games, coloring books, books, snacks, dvd player with plenty of movies, DS game if your kids are old enough. It is colder more than it is hot so dress in layers and have blankets to keep them warm for sleep with their sleeping bags. C-17 is a nice ride, they will love it if they are older. Good luck and happy travels   Amber Scamardo New member Username: Angelsmom1215 Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2009 Posted From: 119.64.213.48 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 12:33 am:    I always brought a sleeping bag to get comfy on the floor. Make sure you wear layers bc sometimes it's freezing and sometimes hot. I also brought lots of snacks, dvd player (there is 110 power plugs), video games, etc...Get your child used to ear plugs too.   Michele Monastra Member Username: Ucohokie Post Number: 7 Registered: 07-2009 Posted From: 66.58.225.167 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 12:25 am:    Plan on trying to take a hop and plane has jump seats. C-17. Anyone have any tips for helping kids get comfy? 7 hour flight. Thanks!!